The Women in the Economy Commission released a report today on Utah Women in Higher Education, 2000-2017, which provided key findings on enrollment and completion rates of post-secondary education in Utah.

The report found that Utah women participating in higher education is improving when comparing results by gender in the state since 2011. Women represent more than half of enrolled students at degree-granting institutions and make up a greater proportion of enrollees in the 18-24 and 35-44 age groups. Women also edge out men in the categories of completing associate and bachelor’s degrees.

However, there is still room for improvement as Utah continues to rank as one of the lowest states for female enrollment in the nation. The report found that Utah women have higher rates than Utah men when attaining some college with no degree. They also face unique barriers to persistence such as childbearing leading to discrepancy between their enrollment and completion of a degree.

The report provides recommendations to help Utah improve higher education access by supporting parents of young children. This includes affordable, campus-based child care, lactation rooms and baby-friendly study rooms. It also found a need to better communicate to women and families that more workplace flexibility and autonomy comes with more education.

In addition, the report recommends further research on possible barriers facing men and women in their postsecondary educational activities, including concurrent employment, family responsibilities and religious mission service.

Latest report from Bureau of Labor Statistics show Utah’s jobless rate for veterans at 2.9 percent

According to new data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Utah’s 2017 veteran unemployment rate was 2.9 percent, ranking Utah as one of only 12 states to be below 3.0 percent.

“Focusing on veterans has always been a top priority for our department,” said Jon Pierpont, executive director of the Department of Workforce Services. “We proudly serve those who have served in the military with several key programs to help them transition into their next job and find a fulfilling career.” More...

Utah’s nonfarm payroll employment for February 2018 grew by an estimated 3.2 percent, adding 45,700 jobs to the economy since February 2017. Utah’s current employment level registers 1,487,800. No revisions were made to January’s year-over job growth rate.

February’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained unchanged from the prior month at 3.1 percent. Approximately 48,600 Utahns were unemployed during the month and actively seeking work. The national unemployment rate remained unchanged from January at 4.1 percent. More...